If Spokane City Councilman Bob Apple has a dog, it’s probably the kind that likes to eat campaign-related homework. That school-days excuse isn’t any more convincing than the ones he offered the Public Disclosure Commission before getting slapped with a $4,200 fine, which is the highest that can be imposed.

Apple said the PDC Web site is too hard to use, so the reports on donations were mailed. But those mailings failed to arrive. Some reports that did make it through were 17 to 80 days late. He also failed to update the PDC when he changed treasurers.

At least schoolchildren have the wisdom to be contrite when facing consequences. Not Apple, who lashed out Thursday at the PDC and the attorney general’s office, which investigated his filing lapses. He alluded to “lies” and pronounced himself “appalled.”

It’s appalling, all right. Most candidates negotiate the Web site just fine. They respect the public’s wish to learn in a timely fashion who is donating to candidates. They respect simple rules and take the time to learn them. Back in October, Apple was sending out campaign material with his city phone number and e-mail address. It’s against state campaign law to use a public office for campaign purposes.

It’s not hard. Follow the rules, or pay the price.